The 2nd January 2023 saw GWR 2-8-0 No.2857 operate for the final time before withdrawal for overhaul.

Crewed by Society Trustees Simon Brooks (Driver) and Harry Bradley (Fireman), the locomotive took a 325 ton train, formed of 10 Chocolate and Cream coaches for 2 round trips of the railway. 100 Society Guests boarded the dining train for the afternoon trip, celebrating the end of the current boiler certificate in style.

But with the enjoyment of the good times during this boiler certificate, focus now must turn to getting 28 overhauled again.